The days are getting cooler and (thank God) less humid. Autumn is just around the corner. Woo hoo! Autumn in Minnesota is the best.
In honor of autumn I present to you its gateway, the Minnesota State Fair…
My BFF MaryAnn, eating her ever beloved Pickle-on-a-Stick
Me at the fair, casting a shadow that looks like a Who from Whoville
Alpacas, lounging around and taking in the admiration of fair goers. Some day I’ll have an alpaca for a pet. I love them!
The giant Paul Bunyan, clothed completely in recycled clothes and fabric. He teaches us to recycle and reuse.
A stunning painting created by my friend, Mark Caselius, on display in the Fine Arts Building at the State Fair. Of course he won a prize!
The Mighty Midway at dusk
Once again the fair didn’t disappoint. The smell of hot oil, the squeals of kids on their first thrill ride, and food on a stick galore. I’m always a little sad when the fair ends, but I know it will be back again next year, barring war (as happened in 1861, 1862, 1945), conflict of major events (1893-damn you World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago! ) and/or epidemic disease (polio, 1946).
I’ll be back next year with bells on to enjoy the one thing thousands of people at the fair have in common, Minnesota. We love our state and our people are great. We know how to have a good time, how to eat good food, how to learn from experts, how to watch baby animals being born, and how to fly high and fast on the midway.
Long live L’Etoile du Nord! And happy autumn!
Auntie B's Wax 
Great photos, Sara, thank you!
“Our state fair is the best state fair!”
Looked like an awesome day Sara. Wow that painting is amazing I could look at it forever. Thanks for sharing your day.
I agree about the painting. The word that comes to mind when I look at it is “haunting.” I love it, and the guy who painted it is one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. Thanks for coming by – I hope springtime is a welcome season for you!